Alpharetta Quick Locksmith
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What to Do When You Are Experiencing Transponder Key Problems
If you are the proud owner of a new vehicle, there is a good chance that you have a transponder key. While it may seem exciting at first, the problems may come later when you are no longer able to use your key. Cars manufactured today often require transponder keys in addition to traditional keys. Auto manufacturers find it beneficial to develop cars that require this type of key because they offer a convenience that your tradition keys do not. You can start your engine and unlock your car doors without even putting the key in the door or the ignition. They are designed with a chip that communicates with a computer. There is only one chip that corresponds to your vehicle. This prevents your car from being stolen. There is a signal that is transmitted to you’re the computer, which will allow the engine to start when received. It unlocks your steering, opens your doors and can allow you to start your engine, remotely. This type of key is, undoubtedly, useful for anyone who owns one. It isn’t understandable why they are so popular. If you have ever used one, you will know exactly why so many people use them. However, be advised that with the many benefits of a transponder key, there are also some disadvantages.
We find it necessary to tell you that even though it is challenging to steal a car that uses a transponder key, it isn’t impossible. All they need is your key. If you lose you key or if it is cunningly taken from you, a car thief can gain access to your car. With the press of one button the thief can easily determine where your car is located and take off in it before you even realize your car has been stolen.
A transponder key is designed with much more thought and time than a standard key. This is why it will cost more to make this type of key than a traditional car key. That is why you wouldn’t want to lose it. However, when or if you do happen to lose your key, you should know what options are available to you. While you can turn to any local locksmith or go to your nearest hardware store to have a tradition key made, it takes the right tools and equipment to make a transponder key. You can request one from a dealership first to see if they are willing to offer you another one at no charge. You might have to explain that your key was lost or stolen. At this point they will also need to deactivate your existing key, in case it was stolen and not lost. If they offer you another one at a fee that is more than you wish to spend, give us a call and we are sure that we’ll be able to provide you with one at a cost that you’ll be pleased with. Whenever your keys are out of your sight you should assume that the keys have been stolen. When a new transponder key is made, we will make sure that we deactivate your current key and reprogram the new key so that no one but you are able to gain access to the car.
Nothing is perfect, not even a transponder key. Here are a couple of reasons why your key might stop working and what you can do.
Even if there is something small stuck in your ignition it can cause you to experience problems with using your transponder key. One of our qualified locksmiths would have to probe to find what is in the ignition, remove it and you may be able to get it going again.
A locksmith can determine if there is a problem with the key itself. This could be due to a manufacturer’s defect, which means it may be under warranty. If your key isn’t still under a manufacturer’s warranty, you’re in luck. They will have to replace your key.
Your key communicates with a central computer. If the computer is unable to pick up the signal from your key, it will not allow your car to start. Contact one of our locksmiths to reprogram the key and get back on your way again.
